Blooming Flowers, Insects and Birds!
Spring Ephemerals have begun blooming! Bloodroot flowers are opening, while the leaves are still curved around the stem. When the leaves open, they remind me of large, green, butterflies!
Hepatica (sp).The 3-lobed leaves will not emerge until the flowers have fallen. The leaf shape is important in identifying the exact species of hepatica.
The willow flowers are attracting many insects including a Cellophane bee which is covered in yellow pollen. Catkins are important because they appear very early in the year, providing a critical first source of nectar and pollen for newly emerged insect pollinators. This early supply helps to bridge the food gap before other plants begin to bloom!
https://biologyinsights.com/when-do-catkins-appear-on-willow-trees/
Insects are attracted to the Willow Catkins for food. The insects then become food for birds such as this Ruby-crowned Kinglet. The Kinglet secured a personal feast by chasing away other approaching kinglets.
More and more insects are being spotted on the sunnier, warmer days. I watched 6 Green Darner dragonflies rapidly skimming along the meadow. They kept crossing the path beside me. I had some good looks, but not one of them landed for a photo. While trying to keep my eye on the dragonflies, I started noticing other insects in the meadow, including a couple of Virginia Ctenucha moth caterpillars.
Northern Azure! First of year!
Hundreds of tiny ants emerged from the ground. They will make excellent food for birds such as the Northern Flicker!
Canada Goose letting me know the trail belongs to him! After a lengthy discussion he finally agreed to let me pass!
Mallards are not known for "playing nice" when it comes to mating season.
Raccoon in a tree cavity.
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